\u00a3131 million for 7 matches
\nNeymar\u2019s Al-Hilal contract terminated; Brazilian legend nearing return to boyhood club Santos.
\nRiyadh
\nNeymar has parted ways with Al Hilal by mutual consent, the Saudi Pro League champions announced after a disappointing spell at the club for Brazil\u2019s all-time top scorer.
\nThe club released a statement on X (formerly Twitter), wishing the player success in his future.
\nThe 32-year-old sustained a knee injury in Brazil\u2019s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023 and has struggled to get back to his best.
\nThis comes after Neymar was critcised by Al-Hilal\u2019s managed Jorge Jesus in a post-match interview on 16 January.
\n\u201cHe is a player who leaves no doubt, a world-class player. But the truth is that physically, Neymar can no longer play at the level we are used to. Things have become difficult for him, unfortunately,\u201d said Jesus.
\nA Controversial Transfer
\nNeymar signed with Al Hilal in August 2023 for a reported fee of \u00a378 million, transferring from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). His contract included an annual salary of \u00a387.5 million and extravagant perks, such as a private jet, a luxury house with staff, and a \u00a370,000 bonus for every Al Hilal victory.
\nAdditionally, Neymar earned \u00a3435,000 for every social media post promoting Saudi Arabia.
\nThe Brazilian forward\u2019s time at Al Hilal has been described by critics as one of the worst transfer deals in football history, considering the significant investment and minimal returns.
\nAl Hilal has spent at least \u00a3209 million on Neymar\u2019s transfer fee and salary, raising questions about the wisdom of the deal.
\nNeymar\u2019s signing was seen as part of Saudi Arabia\u2019s broader efforts to elevate its domestic football league, with high-profile players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema also joining Saudi clubs.
\nOver his 18-month stint, Neymar earned an estimated \u00a3131 million in salary and bonuses, amounting to \u00a321.35 million per game for the seven matches he played.
\nHis contributions included one goal and three assists, translating to \u00a331.4 million per direct goal involvement.
\nInjury woes and limited impact
\nNeymar\u2019s tenure was marred by injuries, continuing a pattern established during his career. He joined Al Hilal while recovering from an ankle issue and played only sporadically.
\nA severe knee injury sustained during international duty for Brazil in October 2023 sidelined him for over a year. Upon returning, Neymar suffered a hamstring tear in his second game back, effectively ending his time at the club.
\nDuring his career, Neymar has been particularly prone to injuries, with over 130 games missed during his six-year spell at PSG alone.
\nDespite rigorous medical checks before his Al Hilal transfer, his susceptibility to injuries persisted, leading to limited availability for the Saudi club.
\nFuture prospects
\nFollowing his departure from Al Hilal, Neymar is reportedly close to a return to his boyhood club Santos in Brazil.
\nAt 32, his chances of representing Brazil at the 2026 World Cup appear slim, with national team coach Dorival Junior excluding him from recent plans due to his ongoing fitness struggles.
\nWhile Neymar\u2019s career has delivered moments of brilliance, including his pivotal role in Barcelona\u2019s treble-winning side and his record-breaking 79 goals for Brazil, his time at Al Hilal serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by ageing stars in maintaining their peak performance.
\nAs Neymar looks to the future, questions remain about his ability to reclaim his place among football\u2019s elite or whether his career will continue to be overshadowed by injuries.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\u00a3131 million for 7 matches Neymar\u2019s Al-Hilal contract terminated; Brazilian legend nearing return to boyhood club Santos. Riyadh Neymar has parted ways with Al Hilal by mutual consent, the Saudi Pro League champions announced after a disappointing spell at the club for Brazil\u2019s all-time top scorer. The club released a statement on X (formerly Twitter), […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":458285,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-458273","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports"},"yoast_head":"\n